Zephyrhills High principal placed on administrative leave

Zephyrhills High principal Steve Van Gorden has been placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation into unspecified allegations.

"We're in the middle of an investigation. That's all I can say," said Pasco school district assistant superintendent Renalia DuBose.

She said two employee relations supervisors are conducting interviews to determine whether the accusations against Van Gorden are true. She would not provide details other than to say the matter does not involve children or the commission of a crime.

Van Gorden, who's also mayor of Zephyrhills, said Tuesday that he had no idea why he had been placed on leave after hours Friday. He was home in bed on Tuesday morning while classes were in their second hour.

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